Dr Ellesha Smith

I am an NIHR Applied Research Collaboration East Midlands Research Fellow, based in the Biostatistics Research Group at the University of Leicester, specialising in advanced evidence synthesis methods.

I joined the University of Leicester in 2016 as an NIHR Research Methods Fellow and completed an MSc in Medical Statistics. I was subsequently awarded an NIHR Doctoral Research Fellowship, and completed my PhD in 2023 with my thesis titled 'Evidence Synthesis Methods to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Complex Public Health Interventions With Multiple Intervention Components'. In 2024, I completed an NIHR Development and Skills Enhancement Award. 

My main research focuses on developing approaches, such as component network meta-analysis and incorporating individual participant data, to better evaluate complex health interventions and increase the proportion of evidence informing healthcare decisions. I aim to generate meaningful insights that support decision-making and ultimately improve patient and public health outcomes. I am also committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations into methodological research to help address health inequities. To maximise impact, I apply these methods to studies focused on the prevention and management of long-term and multiple long-term conditions.

Smith, E., Akroyd, C., Barnes, R. et al. Equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles: how should we apply these to statistical methodology research?. BMC Med Res Methodol25, 113 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-025-02564-8

Kotera, Y., Newby, C., Charles, A. et al. Typology of Mental Health Peer Support Work Components: Systematised Review and Expert Consultation. Int J Ment Health Addiction23, 543–559 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-023-01126-7

Smith, E. A., Hubbard, S. J., Freeman, S. C., March, D. S., Wells, M., Saeedi, E., ... & Gray, L. J. (2024). The effectiveness of delivery modalities of non-pharmacological diabetes prevention programs: A systematic review and component network meta-analysis. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews, 103136.

Abell, L., Maher, F., Begum, S. et al. Incorporation of patient and public involvement in statistical methodology research: a survey assessing current practices and attitudes of researchers. Res Involv Engagem9, 100 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-023-00507-5

Smith, E. A., Cooper, N. J., Sutton, A. J., Abrams, K. R., & Hubbard, S. J. (2021). A review of the quantitative effectiveness evidence synthesis methods used in public health intervention guidelines. BMC Public Health, 21(1). doi:10.1186/s12889-021-10162-8

Gray, L.J., Brady, E.M., Albaina, O. et al. Evaluation and refinement of the PRESTARt tool for identifying 12–14 year olds at high lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to a clinicians assessment of risk: a cross-sectional study. BMC Endocr Disord19, 79 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12902-019-0410-3

 

I have experience supervising at Master's level. Please get in touch if you are interested in developing methods for evidence synthesis and would like to discuss supervision opportunities.